Michigan State Police (MSP) want to see more female officers in its ranks and across the country. It’s signed onto the national initative 30x30, which aims to advance women in policing 30% by the year 2030.
According to MSP, only 12 percent of sworn officers in the U.S. are women, and only 3% are in police leadership. Yet, research shows women in policing make society safer.
Data backed by the U.S. Marshal Service suggests female officers:
- Use less force and less excessive force
- Are named in fewer complaints and lawsuits
- Are perceived by communities as being more honest and compassionate
- See better outcomes for crime victims, especially in sexual assault cases
- Make fewer discretionary arrests
“We’re here to serve, and women are an essential piece of the puzzle in the problem solving we do,” said Insp. Lisa Rish, who has been with the MSP for 28 years. “The more voices, experiences and perspectives we have at the table, the more successful we’ll be in connecting with and serving our communities.”
The 30x30 pledge provides a series of no or low-cost actions policing agencies can take to improve representation and experiences of women of all ranks. Agencies involved have committed to:
- Take measures to increase the representation of women in all ranks of law enforcement;
- Ensure that policies and procedures are free of all bias;
- Promote equitable hiring, retention and promotion of women officers; and
- Ensure their culture is inclusive, respectful, and supportive of women in all ranks and roles of law enforcement
MSP joins nearly 250 law enforcement agencies across the country that have signed the 30x30 pledge. So far, the law enforcement agency said it’s attended and hosted recruitment events providing first-hand accounts of what it means to be a female in policing, especially within MSP.
